Climate control system including indoor and setpoint temperature difference and exterior temperature based hvac mode switching and related methods

ABSTRACT

A climate control system may include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for an indoor building area. The climate control system may also include a home automation (HA) thermostat device in the indoor building area. The HA thermostat device may include a housing, an indoor temperature sensor carried by the housing to sense an indoor temperature of the indoor building area, and a temperature controller carried by the housing. The temperature controller may obtain a setpoint temperature for the indoor building area, obtain an external temperature from the external to indoor building area, and determine a crossing of the external temperature of the setpoint temperature. The HA temperature controller may also switch the HVAC system between operating modes for heating and cooling based upon the crossing of the external temperature of the setpoint temperature and the indoor temperature moving beyond the setpoint temperature by a threshold temperature difference.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority benefit of provisionalapplication Ser. Nos. 62/186,466, 62/186,480, 62/186,487, 62/186,491,62/186,501, 62/186,506, 62/186,473 and 62/186,469 all filed on Jun. 30,2015, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated intheir entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments are directed to the field of electronics, andmore particularly to home automation systems and related methods.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of home automation systems and approaches that seekto permit automated control of electrical devices in a house. Thepopularity of home automation has been increasing due to the greateravailability of smartphones and tablets. As noted in “The Problem WithHome Automation's Internet Of Things (IoT)”, and article appearing inForbes dated Sep. 26, 2013, home automation was typically for wealthyconsumers with an expensive system to control lights, home theater,security, air conditioning, and home audio. This market has expandedwith many do it yourself (DIY) products now available, and, although theproducts are useful, they may be difficult to aggregate. In other words,as explained in the article, difficulties could arise if a consumerbought a Nest thermostat, Kwikset door lock, Phillips Hue lightingdevice, Lutron light switch, Sonos audio system, and Belkin wirelessplugs. The consumer would need to have multiple applications eachrequiring time to setup, learn, and use. Additionally, the articlestates that there is no easy way to make devices work together, such asif the consumer wanted to trigger one event using one device based onanother event from another device.

Multiple communication protocols may also be problematic. In particular,different devices may operate using different communication protocols,for example, Wifi, Zigbee, Zwave, Insteon, Itron, RadioRA2, and others.This may create additional difficulties for home automation.

One approach to address these shortcomings is for the consumer, whichmay include a user and/or enterprise, to use a service and deviceaggregator that provides one application and a consolidated wirelessadapter unit. The user would contract with such a provider for multipleyears. Unfortunately, as noted in the article, the consumer may notbenefit from the most advanced hardware and software.

Another approach, as noted in the Forbes article, is to provide a singleapplication that attempts to consolidate disparate applications andconsolidate wireless adaptors, for example, using each of the differentcommunications protocols. Still further improvements to the operationand integration of devices may be desirable.

SUMMARY

A climate control system may include a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system for an indoor building area being switchablebetween operating modes for heating and cooling. The climate controlsystem may also include a home automation (HA) thermostat device in theindoor building area. The HA thermostat device may include a housing, anindoor temperature sensor carried by the housing and configured to sensean indoor temperature of the indoor building area, and a temperaturecontroller carried by the housing. The temperature controller may beconfigured to obtain a setpoint temperature for the indoor buildingarea, obtain an external temperature from the external to the indoorbuilding area, and determine a crossing of the external temperature ofthe setpoint temperature. The temperature controller may also switch theHVAC system between operating modes based upon the crossing of theexternal temperature of the setpoint temperature and the indoortemperature moving beyond the setpoint temperature by a thresholdtemperature difference. Accordingly, a single setpoint temperature, forexample, may be used for switching between HVAC operating modes, to thusmore accurately maintain the indoor temperature closer to the setpointtemperature.

The HA thermostat may further include wireless communications circuitrycoupled to the temperature controller. The temperature controller may beconfigured to cooperate with the wireless communications circuitry towirelessly obtain the setpoint temperature, for example.

The temperature controller may be configured to cooperate with thewireless communications circuitry to wirelessly obtain the externaltemperature. The temperature controller may be configured to obtain theexternal temperature wirelessly via the Internet, for example.

The climate control system may also include an HA controller coupled tothe HA thermostat device and configured to generate the setpointtemperature. The HA controller may be coupled to at least oneaddressable HA device, and the HA controller may be configured togenerate the setpoint temperature based upon the at least oneaddressable HA device, for example.

The HA thermostat device may include a user setpoint temperature inputdevice carried by the housing and coupled to the temperature controller.The threshold temperature difference may be greater than one degree fromthe setpoint temperature, for example.

A method aspect is directed to a method of operating a climate controlsystem that includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)system for an indoor building area being switchable between operatingmodes for heating and cooling. The method may include sensing an indoortemperature of the indoor building area via an indoor temperaturesensor. The method may also include using a home automation (HA)thermostat device in the indoor building area to obtain a setpointtemperature for the indoor building area, obtain an external temperaturefrom the external to the indoor building area, and determine a crossingof the external temperature of the setpoint temperature. The method mayalso include using the temperature controller to switch the HVAC systembetween operating modes based upon the crossing of the externaltemperature of the setpoint temperature and an indoor temperature of theindoor building area moving beyond the setpoint temperature by athreshold temperature difference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an electronic device integrationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of an HA system in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 2a is a schematic block diagram of a message queue for use in thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2b is a schematic block diagram of an HA system including messagequeues in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an action server for use in the systemof FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of operation of an analytics server foruse in the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a camera server for use in the systemof FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a configuration server for use in thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a debug server for use in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a discovery server for use in thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 8b is another schematic diagram of the discovery server of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a notification server for use in thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a loader server for use in the systemof FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a status server for use in the systemof FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a web server for use in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 13a is a schematic diagram of a security server in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 13b is another schematic diagram of a security server in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 14a is a diagram of a user interface displaying contextual help ona remote device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 14b is a diagram of a user interface displaying contextual help ona remote device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 15a is a diagram of a user interface showing addressable devicesarranged by room on a remote device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 15b is a diagram of a user interface showing addressable devicesarranged by device type on a remote device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 15c is a diagram of a user interface showing addressable devicesarranged by scene type on a remote device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a user interface showing a color picker for usewith an LED light addressable device of the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a remote device and an LED lightbulb addressable device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an interface between multiple hubdevices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of bridges in the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of operation of system of FIG. 1a when anew bridge is added.

FIG. 21a is a diagram illustrating sandboxed processes in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 21b is another schematic diagram illustrating sandboxed processesin the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a responsive scene definition in thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating ingredient responsive scenes inthe system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a user interface showing recommended purchasesbased upon ingredients to complete a scene in the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a user interface showing the ability of a userto choose from a list of ingredient blocks for a scene in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a user interface showing suggested deviceoperation blocks based upon user input for a scene in the system of FIG.1 a.

FIG. 27 a diagram of a user interface showing a prompt for user input tochoose what device provides an ingredient for a scene in the system ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a user interface showing different scenes for agiven set of ingredients or devices in the system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 29a is a diagram of a user interface showing a prompt for userinput to choose devices to map a scene to devices specific to a home inthe system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 29b is a schematic block diagram of operation of an HA device scenecontroller in the HA system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 30a is a block diagram of an electronic device integration systemin accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30b is a schematic diagram of an HA system for generating a userhealth score in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a hub device for detecting proximity to a remotedevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of multiple electronic device integrationsystems in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device integrationsystem including a short-range communication protocol ID device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a user interface illustrating event generationon a remote device for multiple electronic device integration systems inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of a climate control system in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a graph illustrating operation of the climate control systemof FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37a-37e are schematic block diagrams of an HA system illustratingcommunications between an addressable HA device and a remote accesswireless communications device in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used toindicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring initially to FIG. 1a , an electronic device integration systemis illustratively in the form of a home automation (HA) system 20, andwhich is referred to as the K4Connect system. The HA system 20illustratively includes a plurality of addressable devices 31 a-31 n, ahome device 32, a remote device 36, and cloud device 33. While an HAsystem 20 is described herein, it should be understood that the systemis not limited to use in a home and may be used in any setting,commercial, industrial, residential, etc.

Addressable devices 31 a-31 n may include controllable devices and/orsensors, for example, a motion detector, thermostat, light switch, audiocontroller, door lock, and/or camera. Of course, the addressable devicesmay include additional or other devices.

While a cloud device 33 or hardware server is described, it should beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the processes and functionsperformed by the could device may be performed by a processor 46 or bymultiple processors in different geographic locations and over differentnetworks in what is understood by those skilled in the art as the cloud.The home device 32 may be a personal computer, tablet computer,standalone computing device, or any other computing device. The HAsystem 20 may also include a hub device 34 (i.e., a K4Hub). In someembodiments, the hub device 34 and the home device 32 may be within ahome 47 and wirelessly connected to a home network, which may providecommunication with the Internet. The functions and interconnections ofthese devices within the system will be described in further detailbelow.

The K4Home software program runs the K4Connect HA system 20 of home,office, business, and building automation for addressable devices 31a-31 n that can be connected into the program. The K4Home software isavailable as a software only package that can be loaded onto a personalcomputer or other small computer devices, for example, the home device32. The functions of the K4Home software are executed by respectiveprocessors or processing circuitry on one or more devices running theK4Home software, for example, a processor 38 of the home device 32 aswill be described below.

The K4Hub 34 is a device that may also run the K4Home software and hoststhe system architecture on the device. The K4Hub 34 includes a housing41 and hub processing circuitry 42 carried by the housing. The K4Hub 34also includes a plurality of radio ports 43 a-43 n, for example,universal serial bus (USB) ports carried by the housing 41 and forcoupling to any of a plurality of radio controllers 44 a-44 n. The K4Hub34 runs the system locally and can communicate with the addressabledevices 31 a-31 n directly instead of routing through a cloud basedprocess. In other words, the hub processing circuitry 42 cooperates withradio controllers 44 a-44 n that are plugged in to communicate withaddressable devices 31 a-31 n based upon the respective protocols.

The radio controllers 44 a-44 n may each be for a given radio protocol.For example, a Z-wave radio controller may be plugged into one of theradio ports 43 a-43 n, which allows the K4Hub 34 to communicate withZ-wave based addressable devices. A second or third radio controller maybe plugged into the radio ports 43 a-43 n of the K4Hub for adding theability to communicate with controllable devices using second and thirdradio protocols.

The K4Hub 34 is an improvement on current technology since it reducesthe latency and system failures common on current home automationdevices that require a network connection. Similarly to the K4Hub 34,the K4Home software running on a personal computer, for example, thehome device 32, can be augmented with additional home automationcommunication protocols such as ZigBee and Z-Wave by attaching portsthrough the K4Hub or computer's USB port.

The K4App is the location of the user interface 35 of the K4Connect HAsystem 20 and allows the user to access the K4Home software and controlthe K4Connect system 20 through or from the remote device 36, forexample, a smartphone or tablet device that includes a display 48 and aprocessor 49 coupled to the display. The user interface 35 may be alsoaccessed by a desktop application for a personal computer and/or by anon-screen application for a television. There may be more than oneremote device 36 and each remote device may be a different type ofdevice.

In some embodiments, the remote device 36 may connect “locally” withoutcommunicating through or with the cloud device 33. This may beparticularly advantageous because communication may not rely on networkconnectivity and function locally independent of the Internet.Additionally, communication may be relatively faster and more reliable.

The remote server or cloud device 33, which runs software referred to asK4Away, is a cloud-based subscription system that provides theconnection between the local K4Home software, for example, running onthe home device 32 or K4Hub 34, and the K4App when outside of the localhome network, for example running on the remote device 36. K4Away alsoprovides the connection between the K4Home software and K4Connect systemanalytics and help system. The K4App may, in some embodiments, connectdirectly to K4Home, i.e., the home device 32 or K4Hub 34, withoutcommunicating through the cloud device 33 or indirectly withoutcommunication through the cloud device.

Referring now to FIG. 1b , the above-described components of the HAsystem 20 will be described. The HA system 20 includes addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n, each configured to wirelessly communicate using arespective HA wireless communications protocol from among different HAwireless communications protocols. The addressable HA devices 31 a-31 nmay include any of motion detectors, thermostats, light switches, audiocontrollers, door locks, and/or cameras. Of course, the addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n may include other and/or additional devices.

The HA system 20 also includes HA wireless radio controllers 44 a-44 n,each configured to wirelessly communicate using a respective differentHA wireless communications protocol also from among the different HAwireless communications protocols. Each HA wireless radio controller 44a-44 n includes circuitry 441 a-441 n and a connector 442 a-442 ncoupled thereto. The HA wireless radio controllers 44 a-44 n may beZigbee controllers, Z-Wave controllers, and/or other types ofcontrollers, for example.

The HA system 20 also includes an HA hub device 34 that includes ahousing 41 and wireless radio port connectors 43 a-43 n carried by thehousing. Each port connector 43 a-43 n is configured to couple to arespective connector 442 a-442 n of a corresponding HA wireless radiocontroller 44 a-44 n. The port connectors 43 a-43 n may be USBconnectors, for example, and/or other or additional types of connectors.The HA hub device 34 also includes hub processing circuitry 42 coupledto the wireless radio port connectors 43 a-43 n. The hub processingcircuitry 42 communicates with the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 nbased upon the respective HA wireless communications protocols. In someembodiments, the HA wireless radio controllers 44 a-44 n may communicatedirectly with the addressable devices via the HA hub device 34, forexample, instead of routing through a cloud based process, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

A method aspect is directed to a method of communicating in the HAsystem 20. The method includes using HA wireless radio controllers 44a-44 n to wirelessly communicate using a respective different HAwireless communications protocol from among the different HA wirelesscommunications protocols. The method also includes using the HA hubdevice 34 to communicate with the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n basedupon the respective HA wireless communications protocols.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 2a , the primary functions of the HAsystem 20 (i.e., K4Connect) are based around an independent standalonemessage queue server 50 that is a combination of an independent localmessage queue 51 located on a device running the K4Home software and acloud message queue 52 hosted on the cloud device 33 (i.e. K4Away),which provides connectivity to registered devices outside the local homenetwork. Communication between the message queues 51, 52 and connectedaddressable devices 31 a-31 n, connected servers, and connected bridgesuse web sockets as the transport medium, for example.

Both the local and cloud message queues 51, 52 function independentlybut remain continuously connected so that no matter the user location,communication to and from the connected device, e.g., servers, andbridges is still available. The continuous connection is initiated fromthe local message queue 51 to reduce security issues that may beinherent when piercing a firewall of a local network. Having theconnection originate from inside the firewalled system, for example,allows for the message queues 51, 52 to more easily connect whilemaintaining the security integrity of the home system. In other words,each remote device 36 connects to the cloud message queue 52 and notdirectly to the local message queue 51 or any of the K4Home 32 or K4Hub34. Additionally, communication between the local message queue 51 andthe cloud message queue 52, the connected addressable devices 31 a-31 n,servers, and bridges may be SSL encrypted including on the local networkfor increased security. When the K4App, for example, via the remotedevice 36, is connected to the cloud or remote server 33, the continuousconnection allows for the user's connection to the cloud server to serveas a direct connection to the local message queue 51.

The local message queue 51 receives and distributes messages to and fromthe cloud message queue 52 and to and from the local servers 81 anddevice bridges 82. This distribution technique for the messages allowsfor independence for each component of the program and leaves the logicor prescribed action to the individual servers or bridges. Thisindependence of the components of the program may also reduce theprobability of system crashing errors. This also allows for continuousrolling out of new bridges and compatibility of new devices withoutupdating the complete software package, for example.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a typical prior artautomation integration system exchanges messages either all within thehome network or all on the Internet by penetrating through a firewall.The embodiments described herein advantageously provide a hybridmessaging approach that includes the increased speed of “in-home”message processing (processing via the Internet adds delay) and has theincreased security of the Internet (does not penetrate a firewall toexpose the home network).

Referring now to FIG. 2b , another aspect of the HA system 20 withrespect to the local and cloud message queues 51, 52 will now bedescribed. The HA system 20 includes addressable HA devices 31 a-31 neach having associated therewith a respective device capability, deviceconfiguration, and device state.

Each device configuration may include at least one of a device address,a device location, and a device identifier, for example. Exemplarydevice configurations may include an IP address of the device, thelocation of the device within a house, and channel location (e.g., left,right) in an audio configuration. Of course, the device configurationmay include other and/or additional elements.

Each device capability may include at least one of a sensing function,and an output function. For example, with respect to a light switch, thedevice capability may include the capability to be “on”, “off”, and beat different “dimmer levels.”

Each device state may include a current state from among a plurality ofpossible states. For example, with respect to a light switch, thecurrent state may be “on”, “off”, and “dimmed to a given level.”

The HA system 20 includes a cloud message queue controller 521 and acloud message queue memory 522 coupled thereto in the cloud for storingthe device configurations, device capabilities, and device states forthe plurality of addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The cloud messagequeue controller 521 and the cloud message queue memory 522 may be partof the cloud message queue 52, for example.

The HA system 20 also includes a home device message queue controller511 and a home device message queue memory 512 coupled thereto forstoring the device configurations, device capabilities, and devicestates for the plurality of addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The homedevice message queue controller 511 and the home device message queuememory 512 may be part of the local message queue 51, for example.

The cloud message queue controller 521 and the home device message queuecontroller 511 synchronize device configurations, device capabilities,and device states for the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The cloudmessage queue controller 521 exchanges messages with the local messagequeue controller 511 relating to the addressable HA devices, forexample, for communication with the addressable devices 31 a-31 n andfor synchronization. For example, such messages may include messagesrelated to the operation and control of the addressable HA devices 31a-31 n.

A local client device 36 a or remote device (e.g., running K4App)includes a local client device controller 361 a and local client devicememory 362 a coupled thereto for storing the device configurations,device capabilities, and device states for the addressable HA devices 31a-31 n upon synchronization with the local message queue controller 511.The local client device controller 361 a exchanges messages with thelocal message queue controller 511 relating to the addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n, for example, sensing, response, and controloperations.

A cloud client device 36 b or remote device (e.g., running K4App)includes a cloud client device controller 361 b and cloud client devicememory 362 b coupled thereto for storing the device configurations,device capabilities, and device states for the addressable HA devices 31a-31 n upon synchronization with the cloud message queue controller 521.The cloud client device controller 361 b exchanges messages with thecloud message queue controller 521 relating to the addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n, for example, sensing, response, and controloperations.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by synchronizing thedevice configurations, device capabilities, and device states for theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n, or messages, communication with acloud or local client device 36 a, 36 b may be quicker as processing ofthe messages, responses, status queries, instructions, etc., forexample, can be processed at the cloud or local client device or at thenearest of the cloud or message queue (i.e., the request orcommunication generally may not have to travel to one or the other ofthe local or cloud message queues 51, 52).

A method aspect is directed to a method of communicating with aplurality of addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n each having associatedtherewith a respective device capability, device configuration, anddevice state. The method includes using a cloud message queue controller521 and a cloud message queue memory 522 coupled thereto in the cloudfor storing the device configurations, device capabilities, and devicestates for the plurality of addressable HA device. The method alsoincludes using a home device message queue controller 511 and a homedevice message queue memory 512 coupled thereto for storing the deviceconfigurations, device capabilities, and device states for the pluralityof addressable HA devices. The cloud message queue controller 521 andthe home device message queue controller 511 synchronize deviceconfigurations, device capabilities, and device states for the pluralityof addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 4-13, the K4Home program, forexample executed using the home device 32 or K4Hub 34, provides forindependent servers or functional modules for each of the functions ofthe HA system 20. The servers 81 are separated from the bridges 82running on the HA system 20 for security and may allow independentrunning of the system as a whole. The servers 81 on the home automationintegration system 20 include an action server 69, analytics server 54,camera server 61, configuration server 62, debug server 63, discoveryserver 55, loader server 64, message server 65, notification server 66,status server 67, update server 59, web server 68, and security server56. More servers can be added to the software if new functions areneeded. While the term server has been used herein, it should beunderstood that a server may be one or more standalone softwareprocesses that are executed on one or more processors on any device, forexample, as described above. The functionality of each server 81 isperformed by a processor, controller, and/or related circuitry,particularly on the device which it is executed, for example, the homedevice processor 38 or the hub device processing circuitry 42, as willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The action server is continuously running on the HA system 20, and moreparticularly, the home device 32, and executes the responsive scenes ofthe K4Home system or components within the home (FIG. 3). The analyticsserver 54 logs user and system actions to the cloud storage system orserver 33 and receives suggestions of possible responsive scenes theuser could implement or actions the user could take to improve theirK4Home HA system 20 (FIG. 4).

In the initial K4Home system setup, the analytics server 54 requestsadvertisements from the servers 81 and bridges 82 on the system. Theservers 81 and bridges 82 on the K4Home system 20 return advertisements,which allows for the analytics server 54 to subscribe to the individualservers and bridges. Once subscribed, the servers and bridges 82 sendindividual events, commands, and variable changes to the analyticsserver 54, which keeps a log of the data sent.

At intervals, which may be periodic or regular, the analytics server 54reports the data collected to the cloud system or cloud device 33 via aprivate globally unique identifier (GUID). The cloud-based analytics ordevice 33 processes and reviews the anonymized data, storing the data ina cloud database. This data is then used to review the functions of theK4Home HA system 20 which may reveal any problems that may exist in thesoftware. This HA system 20 can also use the data gathered from thesecurity server to assess any security threats and develop mitigationplans. The cloud-based analysis or cloud device 33 also reviews theK4Home system and recommends devices and responsive scenes to theprivate GUIDs. Once the information in the cloud has been analyzed andgathered by the cloud device 33 it is pushed back to the local analyticsserver 54 with the next time to “check-in” to the cloud.

The camera server 61 (FIG. 5) locates camera images/video and streamsthe images/video to the system. The camera server also acts as an imageproxy for remote users not able to directly connect to the camera, forexample.

The configuration server 62 (FIG. 6) stores the persistent configurationof the home automation integration system 20. The configuration server62 also uses the device descriptions during the device connectionprocess to setup addressable devices 31 a-31 n on the HA system 20 intandem with a device setup wizard. The debug server 63 enables bridgedebugging (FIG. 7).

The discovery server 55 (FIG. 8a ) finds addressable devices to connectto the K4Connect system 20. The discovery server 55 uses signatures ofdevices, for example, addressable devices 31 a-31 n in its search todiscover devices that are not natively discoverable for connection tothe system. With respect to typical prior art home automationintegration systems, certain addressable devices do not automaticallybroadcast their availability and thus have to be manually connected bythe user. Manual entry often involves advanced technical knowledge orhaving to follow detailed complicated instructions to add the device totheir home automation systems, for example, manually entering an IPaddress, device ID, and/or other identifying information. The discoveryserver 55 reduces these complications.

Example code executed on the discovery server 55 with respect to anetwork device and a USB device, respectively, are below:

<signature cls=“com.k4connect.someNetworkDevice” description=“ExampleNetwork Device”?  <mdns>   <services>    <service>    <name>DeviceName.*</name>     <type>http</type>    <protocol>tcp</protocol>    </service>   </services>  </mdns> <upnp>   <deviceType>urn:Manufacturer:device:sensor:1</deviceType> </upnp>  <macs>   <mac>ff:ff:ff</mac>  </macs> </signature> <signaturecls=“com.k4connect.someUsbDevice” description=“Example USB Device”>  <udev>    <devices>     <device>      <attributes>       <attributename=“ID_VENDOR_ID”  pattern=“10c4”/>       <attributename=“ID_MODEL_ID”  pattern=“ea60”/>       <attribute name=“DEVNAME” pattern=“{circumflex over ( )}\/dev\/ttyUSB\d+”/>      </attributes>    </device>    </devices>   </udev>  </signature>

The discovery server 55 is typically always running processes thatmonitor the system home automation integration 20 either passivelywaiting for a signal from a new controllable device or scanning thesystem for signatures of the addressable devices 31 a-31 n. Thediscovery server 55 runs UPNP and MDNS processes that use a text matchprocess from the signatures of the addressable devices 31 a-31 n toidentify the controllable device. The discovery server 55 also runsmulticast processes and connects to these unconnected addressabledevices 83, for example, by a challenge response.

The advantageous elements of the discovery server 55 are the ARP scanand the udev scan. The ARP scan runs a port match for loadedcontrollable device signatures and runs a challenge-response process toidentify the addressable devices 31 a-31 n. For example, discoveryserver 55 may query a port with data and get an identifying responsebased upon the query. The ARP scan also identifies the device by MACaddress matching. The other advantageous element is the UDEV scan whichuses a USB match for devices connected to the hardware running K4Homeand running a TTY Match, which identifies the device with a challengeresponse process. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,any number of elements or network characteristics that define acontrollable device signature may be used.

Once the discovery server 55 has discovered a new addressable device(i.e., new to the system 20), it sends notifications over the messagequeue 51 to the configuration server 62 and notification server 66 (FIG.7), which then notify the user of the newly discovered addressabledevice and begins a wizard set-up process. When a new addressable devicebecomes available (e.g., new to market and not just the system) forwhich there is not an identifiable signature, a new signature filter maybe added to the discovery server 55.

In some embodiments, advertising from the addressable devices 31 a-31 nmay be used to limit an addressable device. For example, a controllablespeaker device may appear to the home automation integration system 20as a generic device based upon advertising. However, a query based upona subset of addresses or signature elements may be used, which mayincrease the speed of controllable device discovery. For example,signature elements may be used to limit or restrict a device type, anddiscovery may continue based upon the subset.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 8b , the discovery server 55 will bedescribed with respect to the HA system 20. The addressable HA devices31 a-31 n each have a respective HA device signature associatedtherewith and each is configured to wirelessly communicate usingrespective different wireless communications protocols from amongdifferent wireless communications protocols. The addressable HA devices31 a-31 n may include any of motion detectors, thermostats, lightswitches, audio controllers, door locks, and/or cameras. Of course, theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n may include other and/or additionaldevices.

The discovery server 55 may be in the form of a controller 551 and amemory 552 coupled thereto. The memory 552 stores HA device signaturesfor paired and unpaired ones of the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n.The HA device signatures may include, for example, MAC addresses, portdata, and/or universal serial bus (USB) identifiers.

The controller 551 polls the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n anddetermines an unpaired addressable HA device from among the pluralitythereof based upon the polling. The controller 551 may poll theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n by polling for a broadcast from theaddressable HA devices and/or by scanning for addressable devicesresponsive to a given one of stored HA device signatures stored in thememory 552.

The controller 551 also compares the associated HA device signature ofthe unpaired addressable HA device with the stored HA device signatures.The controller 551 may compare the associated HA device signature of theunpaired addressable HA device with the stored HA device signaturesbased upon at least one of a universal plug and play (UPnP) process anda multicast domain name system (mDNS) process. Any of the UPnP and mDNSprocesses may be executed based upon a text match process, for example.

In some embodiments, the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n may each haveport data associated therewith, in which case the controller 551 maypoll the addressable HA devices based upon an address resolutionprotocol (ARP) scan, and compare the associated HA device signature ofthe unpaired addressable HA device with the stored HA device signaturesbased upon port data from the ARP scan.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller 551 may poll theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n based upon a udev scan, in which casethe controller compares the associated HA device signature of theunpaired addressable HA device with the stored HA device signaturesbased upon the udev scan.

The controller 551, when there is a match between the HA devicesignature of the unpaired addressable HA device and one of the stored HAdevice signatures, permits pairing of the unpaired addressable HA deviceto communicate with the unpaired addressable HA device using therespective wireless communications protocol. The controller 551 mayprompt a user to approve pairing of the unpaired addressable HA device.The pairing of the unpaired addressable HA device may be based upon achallenge response from an electronic device associated with a user, forexample, the remote device 36.

A communications interface 553 provides communication between thecontroller 551 and the cloud, for example, the cloud device 33. Thecontroller 551 communicates with the cloud device 33 via thecommunications interface 553 to update the stored HA device signaturesin the memory 552.

The HA system 20 also includes radio controllers 44 a-44 n coupled tothe controller 551. Each of the addressable devices 31 a-31 n isconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the controller 551 viarespective radio controllers 44 a-44 n.

A method aspect is directed to a method of permitting pairing ofunpaired addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n in the HA system 20. Themethod includes using the 551 controller and the memory 552 coupledthereto storing a plurality of HA device signatures for paired andunpaired ones of plurality of addressable HA devices to poll theplurality of addressable HA devices and determine an unpairedaddressable HA device from among the plurality thereof based upon thepolling. The controller 551 and the memory 552 are also used to comparethe associated HA device signature of the unpaired addressable HA device31 a-31 n with the stored HA device signatures, and when there is amatch between the HA device signature of the unpaired addressable HAdevice and one of the stored HA device signatures, permit pairing of theunpaired addressable HA device to communicate with the unpairedaddressable HA device using the respective wireless communicationsprotocol.

The loader server 64 loads bridges 82 and servers 81 (FIG. 10). Themessage server 65 runs or operates the message queue 51. Thenotification server 66 sends notifications from the system 20 to theuser interface 35, for example, at the remote device 36 (FIG. 9).

The status server 67 serves as a system wide state machine storing a logof last known state without having to poll devices in the system (FIG.11). This is accomplished by having the status server 67 perform as astandalone state machine tracking the last known states of the system.As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the status server 67is advantageously an improvement relative to the current common practicewhere the system stores the state information in the driver stack, forexample. The web server 68 runs the user interface content (FIG. 12). Insome embodiments, the user interface content may be stored locally.

The security server 56 executes security processes of the homeautomation integration system 20 (FIG. 13a ). The security server 56listens on open communication ports 84 not being used by the homeautomation integration system 20. This allows the security server 56 tolog when a device, for example, an addressable device 31 a-31 n orremote device 36, scans or connects to the port. The security server 56may then ignore any device that is known to scan or connect and is not athreat to the system and log when it receives an unknown or unexpectedscan. For example, an open port may be scanned by or connected to aconnected user's remote iPhone, but since this is an expected actionfrom an iPhone, the security server 56 does not automatically considerthis a threat to the home automation integration system 20. If aconnected home automation or addressable device 31 a-31 n, for example,a refrigerator, does the same scan of or connects to the open ports, thesecurity server 56 logs the action, and then reports the logs to theanalytics server 54. The security server 56 is aware of what can beconsidered normal behavior for an addressable device 31 a-31 n by way ofa signature file included for all known controllable devices. In otherwords, because the types of devices, both remote and controllable,coupled to the home automation integration system 20 on network areknown, traffic among the devices can be monitored to maintain security.If traffic or communications associated with a particular device isdetermined to be erratic, the security server 56 may identify the deviceas being hijacked and/or malware and flagged for reporting to theanalytics server 54. The analytics server 54 uploads the data to thecloud device 33 for security analysis.

An example security server signature that describes what may beconsidered normal behavior of a network device is below:

<signature cls=“com.k4connect.someNetworkDevice” description=“ExampleNetwork Device”?  <behavior>   <http>   <url>http://api.someurl.com/*</url>    <frequency>300</freguency>  </http>   <socket>    <destination>*</destination>    <port>80</port>   <quantity>3</guantity>   </socket  </behavior> </signature>

The cloud server or cloud device 33 may perform an analysis to assess orclassify patterns and recommend actions for the security server 56. Someexamples of actions for the security server 56 to take include notifyingthe user of abnormal actions of a device, disconnecting a compromiseddevice from the K4Connect system 20, or ignoring if the action is notmalicious. The K4Connect system 20 in some instances may recognize avulnerability or attack in a manufacturer's smart device and can providethe information about the vulnerability to the manufacturer. Of course,the cloud device 33 may recommend other and/or additional actions forthe security server based upon the analysis.

Referring now to FIG. 13b , the security server 56 with respect to theHA system 20 will now be described. The HA system 20 includesaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n each having a respective HA devicesignature associated therewith, which may be stored in a memory 562. TheHA device signatures may include data regarding expected actions of theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The HA device signatures may alsoinclude MAC addresses, port data, and universal serial bus (USB)identifiers, for example. Of course, the HA device signatures mayinclude any combination of and/or or additional identifiers that may beused as a basis to characterize operating behavior of the addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n.

The addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n may include any of motiondetectors, thermostats, light switches, audio controllers, door locks,and/or cameras. Of course, the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n mayinclude other and/or additional devices. The addressable devices 31 a-31n wirelessly communicate using respective different wirelesscommunications protocols from among different wireless communicationsprotocols.

The HA system 20 includes an HA security controller 561 coupled to thememory 562 and that communicates with the addressable HA devices 31 a-31n via respective communications ports, for example by scanning orpolling the communications ports. A given communications port is notcurrently being used or is open. When a given addressable HA device 31a-31 n communicates via the given communications port not currentlybeing used, the HA security controller 561 determines whether the givenaddressable HA device is operating abnormally based upon the respectiveHA device signature and communicates to the cloud 33 for verification ofwhether the given addressable HA device is operating abnormally. Whenthe given addressable HA device 31 a-31 n is verified to be operatingabnormally, the HA security controller 561 terminates communicationswith the given addressable HA device.

The HA security controller 561 also generates a notification when thegiven addressable HA device 31 a-31 n is verified to be operatingabnormally. In some embodiments, the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 neach has a manufacturer associated therewith, and the HA securitycontroller 561 may communicate the notification to a respectivemanufacturer associated with given addressable HA device verified to beoperating abnormally. Of course, the HA security controller 561 maycommunicate the notification to another device and/or entity, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The HA system 20 may also include a communications interface 563 thatprovides communication between the HA security controller 561 and thecloud 33. The HA security controller 561 communicates with the cloud 33via the communications interface 563, for example, to update the storedHA device signatures in the memory 562.

The HA system 20 also includes radio controllers 44 a-44 n coupled to HAsecurity controller 561. Each of the addressable devices 31 a-31 n maybe configured to wirelessly communicate with the HA security controller561 via respective radio controllers 44 a-44 n.

A method aspect is directed to a method of communicating in the HAsystem 20. The method includes using the HA security controller 561 tocommunicate with the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n via respectiveones of the communications ports, with a given communications port notcurrently being used. The method also includes using the HA securitycontroller 561 to, when a given one of the addressable HA devices 31a-31 n communicates via the given communications port not currentlybeing used, determine whether the given addressable HA device isoperating abnormally based upon the respective HA device signature,communicate to the cloud 33 for verification of whether the givenaddressable HA device is operating abnormally, and terminatecommunications with the given addressable HA device and generate anotification when the given addressable HA device is verified to beoperating abnormally.

Another aspect is directed to setup wizards of the K4Home software. Asetup wizard may provide an increasingly simple and relatively uniformsetup process for each device connected to the K4Connect system 20, andparticularly, connected to K4Home. The setup wizard may limit theactionable items on each screen step of the wizard to maintainsimplicity. For example, the setup wizard may allow one question and onedata input received from that question before moving to the next step inthe wizard.

Each setup wizard is based upon prebuilt templates that allow softwaredevelopers to collect the data for the setting up of a device withouthaving to build new user interface components. Each setup wizard may becustomizable for developers and bridge builders, for example.Customization may be achieved by allowing each setup wizard to have aunique style sheet while keeping base styles consistent. Beyond the basestyles, the user interface in each setup wizard may be changeable, butit is desirable that these changes be within specific parameters. If nosuitable template is available for the developer, for example, userinterface components may be created. Custom templates would still useK4Connect components when available and may not contradict therelatively simple and uniform setup process provided by the K4Homesoftware.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 14a and 14b , each setup wizard may alsoprovide contextual help by supplying a progress bar 71, for example, onthe display 48 of the remote device 36 or as part of the user interface35, for example, that includes a help button 72 on the progress bar. Thehelp button 72 links to help that corresponds to the user's current stepin the setup wizard. In other words, the user will be presented withdifferent instructions on the display 48 depending on where the user isin the setup process. This may be particularly advantageous in that itaids users in steps in the setup that are frequently problematic and maymake the user experience more adaptive and easier than current homeautomation setups.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a-15c , the user interface 35 may provideseveral different ways to control the K4Connect system 20 or to controladdressable devices 31 a-31 n on the K4Connect system. For example, theK4Connect system 20 may be controlled by room (FIG. 15a ), by scene(FIG. 15b ), and by device types (FIG. 15c ). Of course, the K4Connectsystem 20 may be controlled in other fashions or using other techniques.

The user interface 35, which may be presented via the display 48 of aremote device 36, for example, a touch screen display of a mobile phone,allows the user to view addressable devices 31 a-31 n by device categoryor by the location (FIG. 15a ) of the addressable device. The user canalso switch directly from the addressable device selection from thelocation to the addressable device category view. The user interface 35also advantageously tracks the history of the devices used by trackingthe last contacted device. This may allow the user to directly accessrecently used addressable devices 31 a-31 n more quickly instead ofsearching back through prior pages of the user interface. The userinterface 35 may also provide increased usability by allowing the entirescreen of the remote device 36, for example, a touch-screen remotedevice to be used to adjust the addressable device 31 a-31 n instead oflocating a single point on the touch-screen display for adjustment. Insome embodiments, addressable devices 31 a-31 n may be controlled viathe user interface 35 by way of voice recognition, for example. Othertypes of control may also and/or additionally be used, for example,biometrics, or gesture (e.g., arm, hand, eye) recognition.

Referring now to FIG. 16, when one or more of the addressable devices 31a-31 n are in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) bulb, the userinterface 35 includes an LED color picker 75 function. The LED colorpicker 75 provides a more accurate method to set colors in controllablemulti-color LED light bulbs 31 a. Currently, the user selects a colorfrom a palette and the bulb will adjust to closest color possible. Thismay result in a variation between what the user selects from the display48 and the actual output from the multi-color LED light bulb 31 a.

The LED color picker 75 by way of the processor 49 of the remote device36, detects the colors the multi-color LED light bulb 31 a is capable ofproducing and presents those color options to the user. This is done,for example, by determining the CIE delta of the multi-color LED lightbulb 31 a. The CIE delta may be determined by the manufacturer, the datafor which may be stored in the remote device 36 or received from thecloud device 33.

Referring to FIG. 17, in another embodiment, when the remote device 36′includes a camera 86′, the processor 49′ of the remote device maycooperate with the camera to capture the colors actually illuminated bythe multi-color LED light bulb 31 a′. The processor 49′ of the remotedevice 36′ then displays on the display 48′ the available colors of themulti-color LED light bulb 31 a′ based upon the stored CIE deltainformation or the captured images. Colors are calculated in the CIEtriangle versus finding the color at the end of the delta. Additionally,in some embodiments, the remote device signature, as discussed above, inthe case of a multi-color LED light bulb may include the CIE delta ofthe bulb based upon the model number, for example. The user then choosesthe exact color from the options on the display 48′ and the multi-colorLED light bulb 31 a′ changes to selected color. This matches the userexpectation to the light bulb output in contrast to the current methodwhich selects a color based upon an approximation.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the capabilities ofthe multi-color LED light bulb 31 a are typically much less than what atypical CIE diagram shows. The embodiment described hereinadvantageously determines the color displaying capabilities of themulti-color LED light bulb 31 a and allows selection of those actualcolors rather than making an approximation.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 18, the user interface 35 alsoprovides an interface for interacting with multiple K4Hubs hubs or hubdevices, for example a home hub 34 a and an office hub 34 b. Currentlyin the home automation market, end users either cannot set up multiplehubs in their homes or the hubs are combined in a cloud systempreventing the user from being able to make an obvious distinctionbetween the systems. The K4Connect system 20 advantageously permits theuser the option of controlling multiple hubs from the user interface 35by connecting, for example, automatically, to the local hub andconnecting to any other hubs through the cloud.

When connected to a local network, for example, via Wifi, the userinterface 35 of a remote device 36 may automatically connect (i.e.,without user intervention) to the hub device 34 a, 34 b on the samelocal network. When using a cellular connection or Wifi network that isnot connected to a hub device 34 a, 34 b, the user interface 35 allowsthe user to pick which of the multiple systems they would like to view.For example, in a first scenario, a connection to a hub device 34 alocated in the user's office. The K4App or user interface 35 controlsthe addressable devices 31 a-31 n from the office hub 34 a, but the userhas the option to switch the user interface to control other connectedhubs. In a second scenario, when the user is connected only to acellular network such as an LTE network, the user interface 35 providesan option for the user to choose between the connected hubs if there ismore than one, so the user can pick between home hub 34 b or the officehub 34 a. In a third scenario, the user is connected to the home hub 34b and the user interface 35 automatically controls the addressabledevices 31 a-31 n at home, but the user can switch to controlling theoffice hub 34 a on the user interface.

When a new addressable device 31 a-31 n is detected by the home device32 or the hub device 34 (i.e. a device running K4Home), for example, newsoftware for supporting the newly detected addressable device may bedownloaded. For example, an “app store” for controllable devices mayprovide support or drivers for the newly detected controllable device.The “app store” may be hosted by the cloud server 33 or third partyprovider, for example. With respect to the app store being available onthe cloud server, the cloud server may store in memory addressabledevice drivers. When a new addressable device 31 a-31 n is detected bythe home device 32 or hub device 34, the home or hub device may “pulldown” the corresponding driver or software and not an entire softwarepackage.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 19, further details of the bridges 82will now be described. The K4Connect bridges 82 provide a translationlayer for the message queue or message queue server 50 to communicatewith the addressable devices 31 a-31 n connected to the K4Connect system20. When a user or a predefined scene executes a command on theK4Connect system 20, the message queue 50 sends a generic form of themessage through the Node.js APIs to the associated bridge 82. Thegeneric form of the message may be sent through different APIs or bydifferent techniques as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.The bridge 82 then translates the generic command to the specificcommand for the addressable device 31 a-31 n and sends the translatedcommand to the addressable device.

The independence of the bridges 82 advantageously allows developers towrite bridges for nearly any controllable device independently of thewhole K4Connect system 20. After a bridge 82, which may generally bestored separately from the message queue 50, is coded, for example, itmay be downloaded and integrated into the message queue 50 withouthaving to update the entire K4Connect software program.

More particularly, when a new addressable device 31 a-31 n is detectedby the home device 32 or hub device 34, for example, new software forsupporting the newly detected controllable device may be downloaded,i.e. a bridge. For example, an “app store” for controllable devices mayprovide support or the bridge for the newly detected controllabledevice. The “app store” may be hosted by the cloud server 33 or thirdparty provider, for example. With respect to the app store beingavailable on the cloud device 33, the cloud device may store in memoryaddressable device bridges. When a new addressable device 31 a-31 n isdetected by the home device 32 or hub device 34, the home or hub devicemay “pull down” the corresponding bridge or software and not an entiresoftware package.

The independence of each bridge also allows for better usage ofbandwidth and storage space on the home K4Connect system 20. By notdownloading an entire software update package every time a bridge isupdated, the user and K4Connect preserve Internet bandwidth and data.Also, the ability to only download the bridges 82 that are desired byeach user allows the user to preserve memory space on the device runningK4Home, e.g. the home device 32 and/or K4Hub 34. This preserved memoryspace allows the K4Connect system 20 to provide a relatively largenumber of bridges for new home automation devices with less concern ofbloated software or limited storage space on user devices, for example.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 20, when a new bridge 91 is createdand loaded to the K4Connect system 20, the update servers 59 on eachK4Connect system connect to the cloud device 33 or K4Away and arenotified when the system performs an update. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, the update server 59 may perform an update bycommunicating with the cloud server and determining based uponcommunication therewith whether an update exists (e.g., based on date,update ID, etc.) The device signature of the new bridge and the devicedescription are sent to the update server 59. The file or filesassociated with the device signature and description are generally muchsmaller than the complete bridge file, which is downloaded if the newcontrollable device is ultimately connected to the K4Connect system 20.The update server 59 sends the device signature to the discovery server35 and the device description to the configuration server 62. The devicesignature allows the discovery server 35 to scan available ports andrecognize if a new addressable device 31 a-31 n that can be connected bythe new bridge 91 is in the home. The device description includes thewizard process, for example, as described above, to set up the newcontrollable device. When the discovery server 55 finds a newcontrollable device that can be connected by a new bridge 91, thediscovery server 55 sends a message to the configuration server 62notifying the configuration server of the new addressable device. Thediscovery server 55 also sends a new addressable device notification tothe notification server 66, which launches the user interface 35 on thedisplay 48 of the remote device 36 to inform the user of the newaddressable device. The bridge wizard 92 is also launched. The bridgewizard 92 gathers the information for the device description andrequested from the configuration server 62.

Once the information has been gathered and user provides a response, forexample via the bridge wizard 92, the configuration server 62 notifiesthe loader server 64 of the new configured addressable device. Theloader server 64 requests the full bridge download from the updateserver 59, and the update server requests the full bridge from the clouddevice 33 or K4Away. The update server 59 sends the full bridge downloadto the loader server 64, which stores the file and launches the newbridge. The newly connected controllable device is thus connected to theK4Connect system 20.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 21a , the bridges 82 a-82 c of theK4Connect system 20 are also what may be referred to by those skilled inthe art as “sandboxed” so that the system may be less subject tointerruption should a given bridge fails. If one of the bridges 82 a-82c fails or if the connection to the message queue 50 fails, theremaining system components continue to function. The bridges 82 a-82 cexecute the communication between themselves and the message queue 50 sothat if there is a failure in communication, the bridge will generallyrestart the communication. If a bridge 82 a-82 c has an error, forexample, the loader server 64 reloads the bridge 82 a-82 c. Thesesandboxed processes limit or reduce restarting of the entire softwareprogram running on the home device 32 or hub device 34 if an erroroccurs in a bridge 82 a-82 c. However, one effect on the K4Connectsystem 20 may be the inability of controlling the specific addressabledevices 31 a-31 n associated with the failed bridge 82 a-82 c, which maybe quickly remedied when the loader server 64 reloads the bridge. Thefunctionality of the message queue 50, other servers, and other bridgesare generally unaffected. As noted above, bridges may be installed ondemand, for example, as needed, for communicating with addressable HAdevices.

Referring now to FIG. 21b , the “sandboxed” bridges 82 a-82 c will nowbe described with respect to the HA system 20. The HA system 20 includesaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The addressable HA devices 31 a-31 nmay include any of motion detectors, thermostats, light switches, audiocontrollers, door locks, and/or cameras. Of course, the addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n may include other and/or additional devices. Theaddressable devices 31 a-31 n wirelessly communicate using respectivedifferent wireless communications protocols from among differentwireless communications protocols.

A processor 641 and a memory 642 associated with the processor maycooperate to perform the functions described above with respect to thesandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c. More particularly, the processor 641 andthe memory 642 are configured to implement the message queue 50. Thatis, the message queue 50 generates generic messages for respective onesof the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n. The processor 641 and thememory 642 also implement sandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c. Each sandboxedbridge 82 a-82 c converts a generic message from the message queue 50into a specific message for a given one of the addressable HA devices 31a-31 n. The specific message may be a specific control and/or statusmessage that is specific for the respective sandboxed bridge 82 a-82 c.

Upon failure of one of the sandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c, the processor641 and memory 642 implement reloading the failed sandboxed bridge 82a-82 c while maintaining operational the other sandboxed bridges. Theprocessor 641 may determine the failed one sandboxed bridge 82 a-82 cbased upon communication between the sandboxed bridges and the messagequeue 50 and/or communication between or among the sandboxed bridges 82a-82 c, for example.

The HA system 20 also includes radio controllers 44 a-44 n coupled tothe processor 641. Each of the addressable devices 31 a-31 n may beconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the processor 641 viarespective radio controllers 44 a-44 n.

A method aspect is directed to a method of maintaining operational aplurality of sandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c in the HA system 20. The methodincludes using the processor 641 and the memory 642 associated therewithto generate, via the message queue 50, a plurality of generic messagesfor respective ones of the plurality of addressable HA devices 31 a-31 nand convert a generic message from the message queue into a specificmessage for a given one of the addressable HA devices using theplurality of sandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c. The method also includes usingthe processor 641 and memory 642 to, upon a failure of one of theplurality of sandboxed bridges 82 a-82 c, reload the failed sandboxedbridge while maintaining operational the other sandboxed bridges.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 22, the K4Home software, which may beexecuted on the home device 32 or the hub device 34, also featuresresponsive scenes that function as a list of elements 95 of theK4Connect system 20 that then may induce actions in the addressabledevices 31 a-31 n connected to the system 20. The responsive scenes canalso return plain language notifications to the user, for example, atthe user interface 35, based on the status of the system 20.

The standard responsive scenes can be set-up by the user by using ascene wizard. The scene wizard includes a list of addressable devices 31a-31 n and command event variables or triggers. The user, for examplevia the user interface 35 of the K4App, selects the triggers for thescene, the addressable devices 31 a-31 n affected, and the actions orstates the addressable devices will take to respond to the scene.

The standard responsive scene may be initiated by a list of triggersdetected by the program or by the user activating the scene 93 in theuser interface 35. An example of a command variable or trigger list isas follows: Trigger 1 is a time period, Trigger 2 is a mobilecontrolling device being connected to the network, Trigger 3 is a setday, and Trigger 4 is a connected motion detector sensing motion.

The scene has specified user defined components or which set ofaddressable devices 31 a-31 n will be contacted for the scene and whatstate those addressable devices should take. For example, controllabledevice 1 31 a is a television (TV), addressable device 2 31 b is a setof lights in the TV room, addressable device 3 31 c is a room thermostatin the TV room, and addressable device n 31 n controls operation of acoffee maker. The system 20 generates a command that is sent to theaddressable device. The addressable devices 31 a-31 n respond based uponthe command.

For example, Trigger 1 is activated from 7-9 pm, Trigger 2 is activatedwhen a given user's smartphone or remote device 36 is connected to thelocal network, Trigger 3 is activated on weekdays, and Trigger 4 isactivated by a living room motion detector detecting motion. Based uponthe triggers, the user defined components turn the TV on to a givenchannel, dim the lights in the TV room, adjust the thermostat to 72degrees, and begin brewing the evening decaf coffee.

The standard responsive scenes may also be shared between users usingthe cloud device 33 or K4Away, and a marketplace that lists availablescenes. The K4Connect system 20 may also suggest possible other and/oradditional addressable devices 31 a-31 n to connect to add functionalityand more responsive scenes to individual users of K4Home.

Once a user has completed the responsive scene wizard or has added ashared responsive scene, the remote device 36 via the user interface 35may display a modeled animation of the scene which shows what the scenelooks like upon activation. The user may also access an animation of thescene that will function throughout the entire day and their triggers.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-29 a, another aspect of K4Home is what may bereferred to as an ingredient responsive scene based on property basedingredients, which allows the use of different addressable devices thatcan produce the same properties in the recipes. Instead of a scene beingtied to a specific addressable device 31 a-31 n for a given function,for example, the scenes are based upon a specific property. Thisadvantageously allows for responsive scenes to be implemented using thesame elements that the responsive scene needs, but does not useidentical devices.

For example, if a given user wants to know when another user is home,they may set up a responsive scene that identifies the addressabledevices 31 a-31 n that may be used to indicate whether or not someone ishome. For the given user, the addressable device 31 a-31 n or ingredientin the responsive scene may be a deactivated alarm system, which whentripped gives the desired properties to trigger the responsive scene.The responsive scene then has the K4Connect system 20 send the givenuser a notification, for example, a plain language notification, thatthe other user is home. This scene can then be shared with yet a thirduser who not does not have an alarm system but does have motiondetectors 101, which fall in the same list of devices that can give thedesired properties to complete the recipe. In other words, the scene isassociated with a desired outcome irrespective of specific addressabledevices 31 a-31 n. In instances where a recipe is almost completed orcan be augmented by adding more controllable devices, the K4Connectsystem 20 informs the user, for example, via the user interface 35 onthe remote device 36, of the possible recipe based responsive scene andlinks them to an online market where the user can download, either freeor for purchase, the addressable device 31 a-31 n.

Another example of a responsive scene based on the ingredients list isif the system 20 indicates that a recipe has not been met, it can thensend a plain language notification that the recipe has not been met. Forexample, if a person has not arrived at home by a certain time, therecipe includes the ingredients of presence (by way of motion detectors,cameras, and a connected smartphone (i.e., remote device 36)) and time.The lack of presence at a specific time triggers the scene and alertsthe user. Of course, others, for example, a monitoring center and/orother designees, may be alerted.

A user may set up an ingredient responsive scene (Block 114) or downloada shared responsive scene from the cloud device 33. K4Home thendetermines whether all the ingredients are present in the K4Connectsystem 20 (Block 102). If addressable devices 31 a-31 n that can provideingredients properties are connected the K4Connect system 20, the systemdetermines the state (Block 106) of the addressable devices by pollingthe addressable devices (Block 103). If the all of the ingredients ofthe scene are met (Block 104), then the K4Connect system 20 executes thescene (Block 108). If the ingredients of the K4Connect system 20 do notmeet the conditions (Block 104), then the system may either poll theproperty states again (Block 103) or wait a specified amount of time setby K4Home or the responsive scene. If any of the ingredients/propertiesare not available in the K4Connect system 20 because an addressabledevice 31 a-31 n that can provide the ingredient is not connected, thenK4Home sends a message to the analytics server 54 requesting suggestedcontrollable devices from the cloud device 33 (Block 110) and may alsocooperate to present the user, for example, on the user interface 35, anopportunity to purchase the suggested controllable devices (FIG. 24).The new addressable devices may be installed at Block 112.

In another example, a user may download a responsive scene that utilizesa camera to record motion events during a specific time period. Forexample, a given user wishes to record when his dog climbs onto theliving room couch while the given user is at work from 8 am-5 pm. Thegiven user then constructs the scene with three ingredients: ability torecord video (provided by a camera connected to K4Home), motion(provided by the same camera's built in motion detector), and a timeperiod. The given user then shares this on the responsive scene marketplace on the K4Away or cloud device 33. Another user downloads the sceneand intends to use the scene for home security at night, for example.The other user has a camera, but not the ability to sense motion. K4Homesuggests the other user install independent motion sensors to be able touse the scene and provides a link to the K4Store or the cloud device 33from which the orders of any of a number of brands and styles of motiondetectors may be purchased. The other user then installs the motionsensors, which now enables the responsive scene to be enacted since allingredients are met. The other user then records any motion in hisliving room from 10 pm-6 am using the same base responsive scene whileusing different devices to provide the ingredients.

For example, a user may generate a responsive scene to provide the ideaof “home.” The responsive scene may be generated with respect to theuser so that, “when I am home, I want light in the living room.” TheK4Connect system 20 indicates or displays, for example, via a menu, that“there are x devices you can use to determine whether I am home, andhere are the devices that provide light.” In other words, the scene isconstructed first and then the addressable devices 31 a-31 n that canmake the scene are provided.

Referring now to FIG. 29b , ingredient responsive scenes as they relateto the HA system 20 will now be described. The HA system 20 includesaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n at a given location. The addressable HAdevices 31 a-31 n include any of motion detectors, thermostats, lightswitches, audio controllers, door locks, and/or cameras. Of course, theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n may include additional and/or otherdevices.

The HA system 20 also includes an HA device scene controller 581 thatobtains from a user, for example, wirelessly, a first desired scene thatincludes a first trigger action and first responsive event. For example,the first trigger may be “when I arrive home” and the first responsiveevent may be “turn on the living room lights”. Indeed, the first triggeraction and the first responsive event do not identify which of theaddressable HA devices 32 a-32 n are responsible for implementing thefirst trigger action and the first responsive events. The HA devicescene controller 581 may obtain the first trigger action and the firstresponsive event from a user-interface device 360, for example, and moreparticularly, a user-input device 351 coupled to a user-interfacecontroller 353 to permit user input. The user interface device 360 maybe a remote device, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc.There may be more than one first trigger action and any number of firstresponsive events.

The HA device scene controller 581 also presents a first user-selectablelist of corresponding ones of the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n, forexample, on a display 354 of the user-interface device 360 coupled tothe user-interface controller 353, that are capable of implementing thefirst desired scene. In other words, the HA device scene controller 581presents addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n that correspond to or willexecute the first trigger action and the first responsive event.

The HA device scene controller 581 also determines the firstuser-selected ones of the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n, and uponoccurrence of the first trigger event, performs the first responsiveevent using the first user-selected addressable HA devices to therebyimplement the first desired scene. The first desired scene may beexecuted wirelessly, for example, the HA device scene controller 581 maybe communicate wirelessly with the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n toimplement the first desired scene. In some embodiments, the HA devicescene controller 581 may generate a notification upon occurrence of thetrigger event.

The HA device scene controller 581 also obtains from the cloud 331, forexample, wirelessly, a second desired scene that includes a secondtrigger action and second responsive event. The second trigger actionand second responsive event are obtained without identifying theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n responsible for implementing the secondtrigger action and second responsive event.

The HA device scene controller 581 may present a second user-selectablelist of corresponding addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n, for example, onthe display 354, capable of implementing the second desired scene. Inother words, the second scene is obtained as a shared scene, for examplefrom another person's HA system. The HA device scene controller 581 alsodetermines the second user-selected addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n,and, similar to that described above, for example, wirelessly, uponoccurrence of the second trigger event, performs the second responsiveevent using the second user-selected addressable HA devices to therebyimplement the second desired scene.

The HA device scene controller 581 also may determine when theaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n at the given location are not capableof implementing the scene. When this is the case, the HA device scenecontroller 581 presents a purchase offer, for example on the display 354for an additional addressable HA device. The user may purchase theadditional addressable HA device by clicking on a hyperlink, forexample.

A method aspect is directed to a method of implementing first and seconddesired scenes in an HA system 20. The method includes using an HAdevice scene controller 581 to obtain from a user the first desiredscene that includes a first trigger action and a first responsive eventand to present a first user-selectable list of corresponding addressableHA devices 31 a-31 n capable of implementing the first desired scene.The HA device scene controller 581 is also used to determine the firstuser-selected addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n, and upon occurrence ofthe first trigger event, perform the first responsive event using thefirst user-selected addressable HA devices to thereby implement thefirst desired scene.

The HA device scene controller 581 is also used to obtain from the cloud331 the second desired scene that includes a second trigger action and asecond responsive event and to present a second user-selectable list ofcorresponding addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n capable of implementingthe second desired scene. The device scene controller 581 is also usedto determine the second user-selected ones of the addressable HAdevices, and upon occurrence of the at least one second trigger event,perform the second responsive event using the second user-selectedaddressable HA devices 31 a-31 n to thereby implement the second desiredscene. In some embodiments, the HA device scene controller 581 is usedto determine when the addressable HA devices 31 a-31 n at the givenlocation are not capable of implementing the scene, and to present apurchase offer for an additional addressable HA device.

Development kits as they relate to the K4Connect system 20 will now bedescribed. The K4Connect system 20 provides both software and hardwaredevelopment kits. The software development kit builds a complete devicestack for developers to interact with and handles all communication withthe message queue. A built-in bridge editor allows developers to createand edit bridges from a web browser, for example, and a descriptioneditor creates device description XML files.

The hardware development kit allows developers to connect controllabledevices directly to the message queue without an intermediary bridge.For example, as developers add communication protocols to theircontrollable devices, the K4Connect system 20, particularly thecommunication components thereof, may be integrated into their hardwareto bypass a bridge on the system and communicate directly with themessage queue.

Further details of the cloud device 33 or K4Away will now be described.In addition to the functions of K4Away already described, K4Away hostsan external API, which provides an interface for devices that cannotconnect to Internet based services on their own. When connected to theK4Connect system 20 and K4Away, previously un-networked devices maybecome accessible to outside services such as, for example, IFTTT,Evernote, and Facebook, through its connection with K4Away.

With respect to security, the security model of the K4Connect system 20is based upon providing a relatively high level of security for thesystem. Each phone or remote device 36 is authenticated on two levels.The first level is a device specific allowance added by the systemadministrator. The second level is the user login on the remote device36. This two-layer system reduces occurrences of a login of unauthorizeddevices even if there is a valid user login.

The K4Connect system 20 also provides security through its privacymethod in its analytics data collection. The data is stored on twoseparate servers. One server holds a token representing the anonymoususer while the other server holds the usage and analytic data. Theconnection between the two servers occurs when authorized by the userfor technical help. When the user is sent responsive scene or devicerecommendations, the suggestions are typically only sent to the tokenrepresenting the user. The user remains anonymous at all times. In otherwords, a portion of the information about a user may be selectivelyavailable for providing technical support, similar to a “need-to-know”basis.

The K4Connect system 20 also uses a security method that grants the usercomplete rights and ownership to the data collected. The K4Connectsystem 20 collects and analyzes data from the user and stores it on theseparate secure servers. After a threshold time period, for example, oneyear, the data is permanently deleted. This method includes a useroverride granting the user the ability to permanently delete their dataat anytime.

The K4Hub 34 can also be used as a Wifi router connected to a homerouter so that all the devices connected to the K4Connect system 20 arerouted through the private Wifi network of the K4Hub 34. Thisadvantageously allows for a separation between devices, such as personalcomputers, connected to the K4Connect system. This separation may reducethe chances of attacks on personal computers from affecting the networkamong devices of the K4Connect system 20.

Referring now to FIG. 30a , another aspect is directed to health relateddevices for use on the K4Connect system 20″. The use of health relateddevices in conjunction with the K4Connect system 20″ may be termedK4Life. However, it should be noted that other and/or additionaldevices, whether health related or not, may be part of the K4Lifesystem. Similar to the K4Connect system described above, the K4Lifesystem 20″ includes addressable devices 31 a″-31 n″, some of which maybe in the form of health devices that measure human health related data,such as, for example, steps walked, blood pressure, weight, and othermetrics. In other words, the K4Life system 20″ performs the functions ofthe K4Connect system described above, and includes further healthrelated functions as will be described in further detail below. Forexample, health devices may include one or more bed sensors, motiondetectors, fitness tracking devices, blood pressure cuffs/monitors,weight scales, and temperature probes, for example. Of course, otherand/or additional health devices or sensors, for example from the K4Homesystem, may be used.

In addition, the K4App provides social interaction, for example, photosharing and live video chat. More particularly, when a live video chatis started, the K4Life system 20″ may report the start time and durationof the live video chat to a central server, for example, the clouddevice 33″ or local server device.

The K4Life system 20″, for example, the analytics server 54″, computes ascore indicating the overall health of the user, which may be referredas K4Score. The K4Score is determined by combining directly measuredhealth data, activity level measured from the use of addressable devicesor health devices 31 a″-31 n″, and social engagement measured by the useof the K4App. The K4Score may include or be based upon other and/oradditional information. The historical trend of this score may be usedto predict improvement or decline in a user's health, for example. Ofcourse, this data may be used for other purposes, for example,communicated to other users such as health care professionals,monitoring stations, etc. For example, a person who is sedentary, hasirregular sleep patterns, and little social interaction may beidentified as a having potential health issues. One example scenariowhere the K4Life system 20″ and K4Score may be relatively advantageousis the use of the system by an elderly parent whose children wish tocheck on the parent's wellbeing or if a user simply wants to keepapprised of their own wellbeing.

In some embodiments, the health or activity data may be viewed by familymembers or in a group living setting, such as an assisted livingfacility or by an onsite or remote supervisor. The health data may alsobe displayed, for example, via the user interface 35″ of the remotedevice 36″, to show the health score of an individual user, or anaggregate of a community of users.

Referring now to FIG. 30b , the health related aspects of the K4Connector HA system 20″ will now be described. The HA system 20″ includesaddressable HA devices 31 a″-31 n″. The addressable HA devices 31 a″-31n″ may include any of motion detectors, thermostats, light switches,audio controllers, door locks, cameras, and/or health-related sensors(e.g. room occupancy sensors, bed sensors, step counters, heart ratemonitors, blood pressure monitors, temperature sensors, and weightscales). Of course, the addressable HA devices 31 a″-31 n″ may includeother and/or additional devices. The addressable devices 31 a″-31 n″wirelessly communicate using respective different wirelesscommunications protocols from among of different wireless communicationsprotocols.

The HA system 20″ also includes a user interface device 36″ that permitsuser social networking and generates user social networking data basedthereon, for example, data related to which social networkingapplications and an amount of time spent using each social networkingapplication. The user interface device 36″ includes a portable housing361″, a display 48″ carried by portable housing, wireless communicationscircuitry 362″ carried by the portable housing, and a user interfacedevice controller 49″ coupled to the display and wireless communicationscircuitry for performing at least one wireless communications function.For example, the user interface device 36″ may be a smartphone ortablet, and may execute any number of social networking applications,for example, photo sharing, live video chat, and social mediaapplications.

The HA system 20″ also includes a controller 381″ and a memory 382″coupled thereto that stores measured user health data and determinesuser physical activity data based upon the addressable HA devices 31a″-31 n″. The physical activity may be determined based upon a period oftime period.

The controller 381″ also generates a user health score based upon theuser social networking data, user health data, and user physicalactivity data, and communicates the user health score via the cloud331″. The controller 381″ may also generate user health scores basedupon the determined physical activity level at intervals within theperiod of time, for example.

The controller 381″ may, for example, generate a notification when theuser health score exceeds a threshold. More particularly, if a userhealth score is indicative of poor health, a notification, such as, forexample, an email, SMS message, visual notification on a display, etc.may be generated and communicated to an electronic device 361″ via thecloud 331″. In some embodiments, the controller 381″ may generate anotification if there are consecutive declining user health scores overthe time period. Once the user health score is communicated to the cloud331″, it may be downloaded, for example, by the electronic device 361″for storing, viewing, analysis, and/or other data processing as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

A method aspect is directed to a method of communicating a user healthscore in the HA system 20″. The method includes permitting, via a userinterface device 36″, user social networking and generating user socialnetworking data based thereon. The method also includes using thecontroller 361″ and the memory 362″ coupled thereto to store measureduser health data, determine user physical activity data based upon theplurality of addressable HA devices, generate a user health score basedupon the user social networking data, user health data, and userphysical activity data, and communicate the user health score via thecloud.

Referring now to FIG. 31, the K4Connect system 20′″ may also be used forlocation determination. The K4Connect system 20′″ may detect mobiledevices (i.e., remote devices 36′″) that are within a specified range ofthe K4Hub 34′″. These detections can be reported to a central server,for example, the cloud device or K4Away where they are used to estimatea person or device's location within a home or facility, for example. Asmore than one K4Hub 34′″ can detect a mobile or remote device 36′″ at atime, the K4Connect system 20′″ reduces duplicate data by comparing thedetection strength of overlapping data and determining which K4Hub wasclosest to the detected person or device. Of course, K4Connect system20′″ described in this embodiment may be particularly useful for usewith the K4Life system described above.

Referring now to FIG. 32, in another embodiment, multiple K4Life (orK4Connect) systems 20 a″″-20 n″″ may be used collectively in a systemthat may be referred to as K4Community. The K4Community systemadvantageously allows the aggregate data from the multiple K4Life orK4Connect systems 20 a″″-20 n″″, for example, at the cloud device orK4Away, to be analyzed for comparison within the community. Data fromother controllers and/or devices may also be aggregated. Of course, anyor each system 20 a″″-20 n″″ may process or aggregate the data, forexample, entirely or in a shared or load balanced arrangement.Additionally, users in the K4Community 20 a″″-20 n″″ may be able tocommunicate with each other, and in some embodiments, see how others areperforming relative to a given user's performance. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, because health related data isbeing collected and potentially exchanged, the health related data ismaintained anonymous, and may be encrypted, until the user or owner ofthe health data agrees to share or actually shares it.

In some embodiments, the K4Life or K4Community system may not be limitedto health related devices and health related data. For example, theprinciples of the systems described above may be applied to utilitymanagement, for example, apartment utility load control management. Insuch an embodiment, the sensors or controllable devices may be used tomonitor energy and water usage, for example, and build a profile basedthereon. Particular tenants that use more utilities relative to othertenants may be identified. Common areas may also be monitored andscored. A score may also be assigned to each tenant.

Referring to FIG. 33, in another embodiment the K4Life system 120 may beused in a health care setting to determine how much time a health careprofessional is giving a patient or user. In one particular example, thesystem 120 may be used in a nursing home to monitor how much time anurse is spending with the user/patient, and when and if the nurse wasin the room 147 with the patient. The system 120 and particularly, thehub device 134, includes a short-range communication protocol controller199, such as, for example, Bluetooth. Of course, the hub device 134 maybe used interchangeably in this or other embodiments with the homedevice. Each nurse would also wear an identifying device or tag 197 thatincludes circuitry 196 configured to communicate with the system via theshort-range communication protocol. When the nurse is in the room withthe user or patient and is within communication range, the system andtag communicate and the time and duration of communication is logged.This information can be used in a K4Community environment, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 34, in another embodiment, for example, in aK4Community system such as a healthcare facility, events or tickets thatare based upon addressable devices may be generated. Those events may belogged and/or assigned to staff and displayed on a user interface 135′of a remote device 136′. When the staff arrives at the room, forexample, of the person associated with the event generation, that staffperson's time of arrival may be logged, for example, as described above.

While several embodiments have been described as including software thatis executed by a processor or processing circuitry of an electronicdevice, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, thatsoftware may include firmware, machine code, or a configuration of theprocessors or processing circuitry. Moreover, while several embodimentshave been described, it will be appreciated that the functions describedin any given embodiment may be used with other and/or additionalfunctions, for example, as described in different embodiments. Stillfurther, while the term “home” has been used to describe certain devicesand/or locations (e.g. with respect to home automation), it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, that the system and itscomponents may be used in other locations, such as apartments, healthcenters, etc. Thus the term “home” is not specifically limited to auser's home. Moreover, while a processor and/or controller have beendescribed herein, it will be appreciated that a processor and/orcontroller may include circuitry for execution respective functions andmay also include a memory. A memory may also be coupled to the processorand/or controller, for example.

Method aspects include making a home automation integration system asdescribed in any of the embodiments described herein, includingK4Connect, K4Life, and K4Community, for example. Other method aspectsinclude operation of the system or the various components thereof aswell as performing any of the functions detailed above, for example,integration, communication, display, etc.

Another aspect is directed to a non-transitory computer readable mediumthat stores instructions for executing any of the functions of thesystems and methods described herein. For example, the functionality ofthe K4App, K4Home, and K4Away may be embodied as computer executableinstructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Ofcourse other functions described herein may be embodied on anon-transitory computer readable medium.

Referring now to FIG. 35, another embodiment is directed to a climatecontrol system 1020 that includes a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system 1021 for an indoor building area 1022. TheHVAC system 1021 is switchable between operating modes for heating andcooling. The climate control system 1020 includes a home automation (HA)thermostat device 1030 in the indoor building area 1022. The HAthermostat device 1030 includes a housing 1031 and an indoor temperaturesensor 1032 carried by housing. The indoor temperature sensor 1032senses an indoor temperature of the indoor building area 1022.

A temperature controller 1033 is carried by the housing 1031. The HAthermostat device 1030 also includes wireless communications circuitry1034 coupled to the temperature controller 1033. The wirelesscommunications circuitry 1034 may be configured to communicate via Wifi,cellular, or other protocol, for example.

The temperature controller 1033 obtains a setpoint temperature for theindoor building area 1022. The setpoint temperature may be obtainedwirelessly, for example, via the wireless communications circuitry 1034.The setpoint temperature may be obtained from an input device, a remoteelectronic device, and/or other device, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

The HA thermostat device 1030 also includes a user setpoint temperatureinput device 1035 and a display 1036, both carried by the housing 1031and coupled to the temperature controller 1033. The user setpointtemperature input device 1035 may be in the form of a touch display,pushbutton, rotatable dial, or other input device, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. The user setpoint temperatureinput device 1035 may be used to set the setpoint temperature. Thetemperature controller 1033 may cooperate with the display 1036 todisplay the indoor temperature and the setpoint temperature.

The setpoint temperature may also be generated or set based upon an HAcontroller 1037, for example, as described above, and coupled to the HAthermostat device 1030 and configured to generate the setpointtemperature. As described above, the HA controller 1037 may be coupledto addressable HA devices 1038 a-1038 n, for example, motion detectors,lighting, etc. The HA controller 1037 generates the setpoint temperaturebased upon one of the addressable HA devices 1038 a-1038 n. For example,based upon motion detected from a motion detector, the HA controller1037 may communicate with the HA thermostat device 1030 to set thesetpoint temperature (i.e., set the setpoint temperature cooler whensomeone is home). Of course, the setpoint temperature can be set basedupon other types of addressable HA devices 1038 a-1038 n.

The temperature controller 1033 also obtains an external temperaturefrom external to the indoor building area 1022. The external temperaturemay be obtained wirelessly, for example, via the Internet. The externaltemperature may be an outside temperature or may be an insidetemperature of a room or area that may be considered external to theindoor building area 1022, for example. In some embodiments, more thanone temperature sensor (indoor and/or outdoor) may be used to obtain theexternal temperature.

The temperature controller 1033 determines a crossing of the externaltemperature of the setpoint temperature, and switches the HVAC system1021 between operating modes based upon the crossing of the externaltemperature of the setpoint temperature and the indoor temperaturemoving beyond the setpoint temperature by a threshold temperaturedifference, for example, one degree. Other threshold temperaturedifferences may be used.

Referring now additionally FIG. 36, operation of the climate controlsystem 1020 is illustrated by way of the graph 1040 and correspondingdisplays 1036 a-1036 e that show corresponding indoor temperatures 1043a-1043 e and setpoint temperatures 1044 a-1044 e at different points intime identified on the graph. In the graph 1040, the outside temperatureis shown by the line 1041, while the actual or indoor temperature isshown by the line 1042. Illustratively, the indoor temperature or roomtemperature deviates from desired temperature or setpoint temperaturemomentarily while the external temperature passes through the deadbands1045.

A method aspect is directed to a method of operating the climate controlsystem 1020. The method includes sensing the indoor temperature of theindoor building area 1022 via the indoor temperature sensor 1032. Themethod also includes using the HA thermostat device 1030 in the indoorbuilding area 1022 to obtain a setpoint temperature for the indoorbuilding area, obtain an external temperature from external to theindoor building area, determine a crossing of the external temperatureof the setpoint temperature, and switch the HVAC system 1021 betweenoperating modes based upon the crossing of the external temperature ofthe setpoint temperature and an indoor temperature of the indoorbuilding area 1022 moving beyond the setpoint temperature by a thresholdtemperature difference.

Referring now to FIGS. 37a-37e , in another embodiment of an HA system2020, it may be desirable to remotely access the addressable HA devices2031 a-2031 n. Remote access of the addressable HA devices 2031 a-2031n, also known as IOT devices, may be particularly helpful fortroubleshooting an issue with a given addressable HA device and/orupdating software or a configuration, for example.

The addressable HA devices 2031 a-2031 n are typically behind one ormore a network address translation (NAT) routers and/or firewalls, andare thus not generally internet accessible, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. Accordingly, to access the addressable HAdevices 2031 a-2031 n, on-demand secure shell (SSH) tunneling may beused.

On-demand SSH tunneling allows a given one of the addressable HA devices2031 a-2031 n to communicate with, for example, through periodicconnections, a known host to retrieve tunneling instructions. Thetunneling instructions may thus permit remote access to a givenaddressable HA device with reduced overhead through the SSH protocol,for example. Of course, other protocols, for example, secure protocols,may be used.

To establish a remote connection to an addressable HA or IOT device 2031a-2031 n a request is issued for a given addressable HA device to open atunnel. This may be performed using on-demand SSH tunneling by way of aremote user, for example, via remote access wireless communicationsdevice 2036, creating a file in a web-visible (e.g. publicallyaccessible) location that is specific to the given addressable HA device(FIG. 37a ). The web-visible location may be on a server 2099 or otherweb-visible location, for example. In an example embodiment, the filemay be an Amazon simple storage service (S3) file that is a hash of thegiven addressable HA device's unique identification and the last uniquecloud session identification. The S3 file may include other and/oradditional information about the addressable HA device 2031 a-2031 n.

A cloud server 2033 may make available the device specific instructionsfor the given HA device 2031 a-2031 n in a known location, for example,on the server 2099 (FIG. 37b ). In some embodiments, the device specificinstructions may be collocated on the cloud server 2033.

Addressable HA devices 2031 a-2031 n communicate with, for example, byperiodically polling, this location. For example, the location may bepolled every few minutes. Of course, the addressable HA devices 2031a-2031 n may communicate with or poll the location at longer, shorter,and/or different intervals. Based upon the polling, for example, theaddressable HA device 2031 a-2031 n finds the tunneling instructionsstored and made available for the given addressable HA device (FIG. 37c). In one example, the instructions may be a json file that includes acloud-visible host/port/username/password. Of course, the instructionsmay be embodied in a different type of file and/or other data elementsmay be stored in the instruction file.

The given addressable HA device 2031 a-2031 n opens an SSH tunnel to thecloud server 2033 according to the instructions retrieved from theweb-accessible location (FIG. 37d ). The remote user via the remoteaccess wireless communications device 2036, may then connect to thecloud-end of the tunnel permitting communication with, for example, byway of logging into, the given addressable HA device 2031 a-2031 n asthough it were internet-visible (FIG. 37e ).

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A climate control system comprising: aheating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for an indoorbuilding area being switchable between operating modes for heating andcooling; a home automation (HA) thermostat device in the indoor buildingarea and comprising a housing, an indoor temperature sensor carried bysaid housing and configured to sense an indoor temperature of the indoorbuilding area, and a temperature controller carried by said housing andconfigured to obtain a setpoint temperature for the indoor buildingarea, obtain an external temperature from the external to the indoorbuilding area, determine a crossing of the external temperature of thesetpoint temperature, and switch said HVAC system between operatingmodes based upon the crossing of the external temperature of thesetpoint temperature and the indoor temperature moving beyond thesetpoint temperature by a threshold temperature difference.
 2. Theclimate control system of claim 1 wherein said HA thermostat furthercomprises wireless communications circuitry coupled to said temperaturecontroller.
 3. The climate control system of claim 2 wherein saidtemperature controller is configured to cooperate with said wirelesscommunications circuitry to wirelessly obtain the setpoint temperature.4. The climate control system of claim 2 wherein said temperaturecontroller is configured to cooperate with said wireless communicationscircuitry to wirelessly obtain the external temperature.
 5. The climatecontrol system of claim 4 wherein said temperature controller isconfigured to obtain the external temperature wirelessly via theInternet.
 6. The climate control system of claim 1 further comprising anHA controller coupled to said HA thermostat device and configured togenerate the setpoint temperature.
 7. The climate control system ofclaim 6 wherein said HA controller is coupled to at least oneaddressable HA device; and wherein said HA controller is configured togenerate the setpoint temperature based upon the at least oneaddressable HA device.
 8. The climate control system of claim 1 whereinsaid HA thermostat device comprises a user setpoint temperature inputdevice carried by said housing and coupled to said temperaturecontroller.
 9. The climate control system of claim 1 wherein thethreshold temperature difference is greater than one degree from thesetpoint temperature.
 10. A home automation (HA) thermostat device inthe indoor building area for operating a climate control systemcomprising a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systemfor an indoor building area being switchable between operating modes forheating and cooling, the HA thermostat comprising: a housing; an indoortemperature sensor carried by said housing and configured to sense anindoor temperature of the indoor building area; and a temperaturecontroller carried by said housing and configured to obtain a setpointtemperature for the indoor building area, obtain an external temperaturefrom the external to the indoor building area, determine a crossing ofthe external temperature of the setpoint temperature, and switch theHVAC system between operating modes based upon the crossing of theexternal temperature of the setpoint temperature and the indoortemperature moving beyond the setpoint temperature by a thresholdtemperature difference.
 11. The HA thermostat device of claim 10 furthercomprising wireless communications circuitry coupled to said temperaturecontroller.
 12. The HA thermostat device of claim 11 wherein saidtemperature controller is configured to cooperate with said wirelesscommunications circuitry to wirelessly obtain the setpoint temperature.13. The HA thermostat device of claim 11 wherein said temperaturecontroller is configured to cooperate with said wireless communicationscircuitry to wirelessly obtain the external temperature.
 14. The HAthermostat device of claim 13 wherein said temperature controller isconfigured to obtain the external temperature wirelessly via theInternet.
 15. The HA thermostat device of claim 10 further comprising auser setpoint temperature input device carried by said housing andcoupled to said temperature controller.
 16. A method of operating aclimate control system comprising a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system for an indoor building area being switchablebetween operating modes for heating and cooling, the method comprising:sensing an indoor temperature of the indoor building area via an indoortemperature sensor; and using a home automation (HA) thermostat devicein the indoor building area to obtain a setpoint temperature for theindoor building area, obtain an external temperature from the externalto the indoor building area, and determine a crossing of the externaltemperature of the setpoint temperature, and switch the HVAC systembetween operating modes based upon the crossing of the externaltemperature of the setpoint temperature and an indoor temperature of theindoor building area moving beyond the setpoint temperature by athreshold temperature difference.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein thetemperature controller cooperates with wireless communications circuitryto wirelessly obtain the setpoint temperature.
 18. The method of claim16 wherein the temperature controller cooperates with the wirelesscommunications circuitry to wirelessly obtain the external temperature.19. The method of claim 18 wherein the temperature controller obtainsthe external temperature wirelessly via the Internet.
 20. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the temperature controller obtains the setpointtemperature from a user setpoint temperature input device coupled to thetemperature controller.